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Iran Appointed UFI Deputy for Mideast, Africa

Head of Iran International Exhibitions Company (IIEC), Hossein Espahbodi was appointed by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry as the deputy for the Middle East and Africa region, IRNA reported on Tuesday.
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (known as UFI) is the association of trade show organizers, fairground owners, national and international associations of the exhibition industry, and its partners. As of today, UFI has 650 members from 83 countries.
“For the first time over the past 40 years, Iran has been awarded a chair in the UFI,” said Espahbodi, adding: “Also, for the first time Iran will be having its own pavilion in the Expo Milano 2015, which is a universal exhibition.”
Expo Milano 2015 is held in Milan, Italy from May 1 to October 31, 2015. “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” is the core theme of Expo Milano 2015. More than 140 countries will be participating in the six-month universal exhibition to showcase their latest technology and offer concrete answers to a vital need: being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the planet earth and its equilibrium. In addition to the exhibitor nations, the Expo also involves international organizations, and expects to welcome more than 20 million visitors to its 1.1 million square meters of exhibition area.
According to Espahbodi, a day during the six-month period has been designated as ‘Iran’s Day’, which will coincide with Avicenna’s birthday on August 23 – commemorated in Iran as the national doctors’ day.
Italy to Hold 3 Exhibitions in Tehran
Meanwhile, the IIEC head gave the nod for holding three Italian exhibitions in Tehran, in a meeting with the Italian ambassador to Iran, IRNA reported.
Citing the successful example of an exclusive Italian exhibition in Tehran two months ago, Espahbodi noted that the move shows Italy’s willingness to expand cooperation in holding exhibitions between the two countries.
Adolfo Urso, Italy’s former deputy minister for economic development, who is currently in charge of international exhibitions in Italy, said Italy is planning to hold three exhibitions in the field of cosmetics, agriculture and automation in Tehran, noting that the three exhibitions have been successfully held in the Italian city of Bologna in the past.
Pointing that Iran is planning to hold a cosmetics exhibition in April, Urso expressed hope that the two countries will expand cooperation by developing strategic plans and agreements.
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be organizing a one-day seminar in May, to focus on the multiple dimensions of international sanctions. Noting that a section in the seminar is titled ‘Iran: an Emerging Market”, he invited the IIEC head to attend the seminar.